LeSage and Channel Back and Mitchell Debuts against Dallas
April 1, 2022 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
LA Giltinis News Release
Former England sevens star Tom Mitchell will make his long-awaited debut for the LA Giltinis on Sunday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum after winning his eight-month battle with a hamstring injury.
The versatile Mitchell has been selected on the bench to cover fullback and other backline positions against the Dallas Jackals in the 2pm (PST) clash.
Long hours of rehabilitation strengthened his leg after surgery to repair the ruptured hamstring tendon he first damaged in Tokyo during his second Olympic campaign with the Great Britain sevens team.
"I'm ready to get out and get amongst. I'm excited that my time training with the Giltinis and my sevens skills will stand me in good stead for this transition," Mitchell said.
"At this time of my life and career, I feel this is a really cool opportunity to be playing in LA where I've always enjoyed the sevens tournament played here.
"I've got a motivation the help the game grow too. That's something that really plays into my drive."
Mitchell knows how to find the tryline after scoring an English record 135 tries in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The 4-3 Giltinis have made five changes to their match-day squad as they chase their third win in a row against Major League Rugby's newest club, the 0-7 Jackals. In the centres, Canadian international Ben LeSage makes a timely return now a broken hand has healed. He replaces top back Billy Meakes who is mending quadricep and groin niggles.
A head knock at training this week has ruled out in-form No.8 Hanco Germishuys. His absence creates the opening for Belmont Shore Rugby Club's Zach Bonte to start for the first time after a series of backrow cameos off the bench.
Tas Smith earns a start at scrumhalf because of strong form that also enables the club to manage the workload of leading MLR performer Harrison Goddard.
The rotation of the club's quality props continues with Charlie Abel and Andrew Tuala elevated from the bench to the starting side. Les Leuluaialii-Makin is also fresh strength as back-up.
On the bench, Belmont Shore's Adam Channel will make an exciting return for his first Giltinis outing of the year. He carried his excellent late season form of 2021 into the USA Eagles sevens program. He made his USA debut in the Vancouver tournament last September.
Head coach Steve Hoiles has also selected 6'6" (1.98m) lock Sami Peri for a likely MLR debut from the bench which recognises another local Santa Monica Rugby Club product.
Hoiles said Mitchell's lengthy recovery had produced a benefit in him becoming more attuned to the 15-a-side game.
"While he hasn't played in our first seven games, Tom is a real student of the game and he's been closely watching training and how we operate," Hoiles said.
"It's awesome for Tom that his return date has finally arrived. I'm excited about his wide range of skills, whether it's his balanced running in attack, his passing, his very capable kicking, his good ruck work or the experience he brings.
"We know he'll handle the jump back into the 15-a-side game because he is well-rounded footballer. He was one of the standouts in the World Rugby Sevens Series for years.
"The plan is for Tom to cover fullback but other positions as well."
Hoiles said the promotion of Peri to the bench for the first time was reward for the lock's drive and hard work.
"He'll throw all his commitment, energy and fitness at this opportunity that he's worked hard for during four months of pre-season and early season training. It's another chance for a local product of LA rugby," Hoiles said.
"At scrumhalf, we're managing Goddard's workload but also giving Tas Smith more of an opportunity because he's been going well."
LA GILTINIS (v Dallas Jackals)
1 Andrew Tuala, 2 Joe Taufete'e, 3 Charlie Abel, 4 Luke White, 5 Dave Dennis (capt), 6 Nathan Den Hoedt, 7 Christian Poidevin, 8 Zach Bonte, 9 Tas Smith, 10 Orene Ai'i, 11 Ryan James, 12 Luke Burton, 13 Ben LeSage, 14 John Ryberg, 15 Jordan Trainor
Replacements: 16 Lindsey Stevens, 17 Djustice Sears-Duru, 18 Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Sam Peri, 20 Cyrille Cama, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Tom Mitchell, 23 Adam Channel
IN: Les Leuluaialii-Makin, Ben LeSage, Sam Peri, Tom Mitchell, Adam Channel
OUT: Billy Meakes, Marco Fepulea'i, Hanco Germishuys, Cristian Rodriguez, Will Chambers
The Giltinis face the Dallas Jackals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 2pm (PST) on Sunday. The match will be broadcast live on Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports West in Los Angeles. The match can also be viewed live on The Rugby Network internationally.
Major League Rugby Stories from April 1, 2022
- Asa Carter and Campbell Robinson Join on Trade from Austin - Dallas Jackals
- LeSage and Channel Back and Mitchell Debuts against Dallas - LA Giltinis
- Matchday Info: 2022 Home Opener vs. Rugby ATL - Toronto Arrows
- Old Glory DC Names Nate Osborne Interim Head Coach - Old Glory DC
- Arrows Lineup Announced for First MLR Match in Toronto in 1,035 Days - Toronto Arrows
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